during the brief period that i have been counseling youths, the most common questions I deal with are related to the issue that you have described.

In 'modern' psychology we are taught that what the majority accept as normal and engage in, then that is ethical/good (i.e. cannot be bad or unethical), since majority have accepted it as norm.

That is why in many western societies you notice a drastic normality about things such as extra-marital relationships, boyfriend-girlfriend relationships, single mothers, indecent clothing, homosexuality and so on and so forth. It is no longer considered unethical based on this twisted thinking of modern psychology.

If you however refer back to the teachings of any of the great religions, you will always notice that the majority are always the silent supporters of the ones who have power and wealth. And those with power and wealth are almost always corrupt and evil. Hence historically it is the minority who resist the values of the majority that are usually right and ethical.

You seem to be in a tug of war and are unsure whether you want to go with the flow or resist and swim against the tide that surrounds you.

Generally only those individuals who have strong personalities and ethical values are successful in fighting the temptation. Those who succeed in distancing themselves from such a temptation are also the most successful in helping others in doing the same.

Your best way forward is to train yourself to fight the environment using your intellect over your temptation. Every time you feel that you want to do the same that your friend is doing, force yourself to think of the consequences of such a decision, both in this world and the hereafter. I am sure you have already considered the consequences which is evident in your coming out and asking this question.

Once you are certain about the evil consequences of joining in with your friend and the benefits of resisting such feelings, it will be easy to fight it since your intellect will guide your decisions and not the other way round.

I pray for the success of your struggle against your temptations.

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